Modest Swimwear: Why More Women Are Choosing More Coverage

For a long time, women's swimwear seemed to be heading in one direction: less fabric.

But not everyone wants to spend a day at the beach in a bikini.

More women are looking for modest swimwear and full-coverage alternatives that let them swim, snorkel, chase kids, jump off boats and spend an entire day in the sun without constantly thinking about what they're wearing.

And “modest” doesn't have to mean one particular style.

For some women it's personal preference. For others it's sun protection, body confidence, comfort, cultural or religious reasons, or simply wanting swimwear that stays put when they're actually doing things in the water.

Whatever the reason, wanting more coverage shouldn't mean sitting on the sidelines.

What is modest swimwear?

Modest swimwear is simply swimwear designed to provide more coverage than traditional bikinis and one-piece swimsuits.

That can mean different things to different people.

Some women might want their shoulders and stomach covered. Others prefer long sleeves. Some want full-length legs as well. Cultural or religious beliefs may influence the amount of coverage someone chooses, while plenty of women simply feel more comfortable showing less skin.

There isn't one definition of modest enough.

It's about finding swimwear that makes you comfortable enough to forget about what you're wearing and enjoy the water.

Why are women choosing more coverage?

Sometimes it's not complicated at all.

You might want to spend six hours on a boat without constantly reapplying sunscreen to your arms and legs.

You might want to snorkel without worrying about your swimmers moving around.

You might be chasing three kids down the beach.

You might feel more confident with your body covered.

Or perhaps you simply don't particularly enjoy having most of your body on display.

All completely valid reasons.

And in Australia, there's another fairly significant consideration: the sun.

Modest swimwear can be practical swimwear

More coverage isn't necessarily about hiding your body.

It can be incredibly practical.

Long sleeves and full-length legs mean significantly more of your skin is covered from direct sunlight. Choosing UPF50+ swimwear adds another layer of sun protection for long days outside.

Full-coverage swimwear can also be fantastic for snorkelling, paddleboarding, boating and swimming because you're not constantly adjusting straps, pulling bottoms back into place or wondering whether something has moved.

You put it on and get on with your day.

The stinger suit is an underrated full-coverage swimwear option

This is where stinger suits get interesting.

Most people associate stinger suits with tropical Australia and marine stinger season. That's exactly what Salty Goods stinger suits were designed for.

But look at the garment itself and it also ticks a lot of boxes for someone looking for more coverage.

Full-length arms.

Full-length legs.

High neckline.

UPF50+ fabric.

Lightweight material.

Stretchy enough to actually swim in.

And unlike a wetsuit, a stinger suit isn't made from thick neoprene. Salty Goods stinger suits are designed for warm tropical water, so they're lightweight, breathable and quick-drying.

That makes them a surprisingly practical option for women who simply prefer full-coverage swimwear.

More coverage without feeling like you're wearing a wetsuit

This was important to us when designing our women's stinger suits.

North Queensland summers aren't exactly wetsuit weather.

Our women's suits use lightweight 210gsm stretch fabric with a front zip, high neckline, full-length legs and long sleeves with thumb holes.

They're designed to move with you in the water rather than feeling heavy or restrictive.

And because they're UPF50+, the same coverage designed to reduce exposed skin during marine stinger season also provides excellent coverage from the Australian sun.

Modest doesn't have to mean boring

This is probably our favourite part.

Choosing more coverage shouldn't mean your only options are black, navy or something that looks purely functional.

We wanted our women's stinger suits to feel like something you'd actually want to wear.

Bold prints. Flattering designs. Colour.

Because practical swimwear can still look bloody good.

Wear whatever makes you want to get in the water

Ultimately, swimwear is personal.

Some women love bikinis.

Some love one-pieces.

Some prefer swim shorts and a rashie.

Others want almost everything covered.

There's no prize for wearing less fabric.

If having your arms and legs covered makes you feel more comfortable, protects you from the sun, aligns with your personal or cultural values, or simply means you can stop thinking about your body and start enjoying the ocean, then that's the right swimwear for you.

And if you're looking for modest swimwear in Australia that also happens to provide UPF50+ coverage and was designed for tropical waters, a full-body stinger suit might be worth considering.

Because the best swimwear isn't necessarily the smallest.

It's the one that makes you want to jump in.